How to file in Michigan, step by step
- Gather your documents. Michigan asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at michigan.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Three unique work search activities a week, registration with Michigan Works and in-person or virtual verification. The requirement increased in July 2026.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Michigan asks for
- Driver's license or state ID, SSN, and account and routing number for direct deposit
- Non-citizens: USCIS number and work authorization expiration
- Each employer in the last 18 months: legal name, address, EIN/FEIN, start and end dates, pay frequency and amount (with tips and bonuses), and reason for separation or reduced hours
Source: michigan.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Michigan pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Michigan unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is michigan.gov, run by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Michigan tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Michigan
All 93UIA local offices take walk-ins on a first-come basis; appointments may get priority.
Michigan Works! Southeast — Adrian
1040 S. Winter Street, Adrian
West Michigan Works! — Allegan
3255 122nd Avenue, Allegan
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! — Alma
327 East Center Street, Alma
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium — Alpena
315 W. Chisholm, Alpena
Michigan Works! Southeast — Ann Arbor
1201 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium — Atlanta
12433 State St, Atlanta
GST Michigan Works! — Bad Axe
614 N. Port Crescent, Bad Axe
Michigan Works! West Central — Baldwin
5252 M-37, Baldwin
Michigan Works! Southwest — Battle Creek
200 W. Van Buren St., Battle Creek
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! — Bay City
4061 N. Euclid Avenue, Bay City
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren — Benton Harbor
499 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor
Michigan Works! West Central — Big Rapids
14330 Northland Drive, Big Rapids
Michigan unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Michigan?
Online on the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity website or by phone at 1-866-500-0017. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Michigan unemployment phone number?
1-866-500-0017. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
How much is unemployment in Michigan?
Up to $530 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Michigan?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 14-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Michigan unemployment?
Use the official site (michigan.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Michigan unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: michigan.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: michigan.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: michigan.gov (dated September 14, 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.